I feel for you Patti
Obesity and diabetes runs all through my family and I've got a lot of good reason to stay as fit as I can. Lately, I've felt much more determined to lose my extra fat, a big project, and eat better in general (maybe it has something to do with not being able to wear a lot of my clothes, that's always a good motivator). I really think food addiction has got to be one of the hardest compulsive behaviors to continually deal with, because you can't just quit eating. Alcoholics should quit drinking, drug users should quit using, smokers should quit smoking, etc..., but you can't quit eating. Not that it's easy to overcome any of those things, but food addiction definitely has dimensions all it's own. To get into a mentality where you can eat everything you need without feeling guilty, and at the same time without feeling like you're depriving yourself is so important. But obviously, that's easier said than done.
I've tried saying "if I don't eat that, it will be all the fewer calories and fat grams I have to burn off later" and "I don't really want that piece of cheesecake anyway" and let's not forget the classic "a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips". Whew! So much good food, so little space to store it! Oh yeah, if only!
One thing that helps me is to see how people in less "decadent" countries eat. Not that everyone in the US and the rest of the west are all gluttons, but food isn't taken so for granted in much of the rest of the world. Plus which, the US is really notorious for junk food consumption. Being able to see "real food" as a gift and a tool, rather than an obsession and a crutch, is so refreshing.
I hope for lots of strength and health for you, Patti. It sounds like you know a thing or two about losing weight, I have confidence that you will reach your goals!
